UN envoy calls for lifting sanctions on Syria, warns of effects
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The UN envoy to Syria urged the international community to extend a helping hand to the struggling country.
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Geir Pedersen, the United Nations' special envoy to Syria, centre, during a visit north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, December 16, 2024 (AP)
The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria, warning of their "catastrophic consequences on the Syrian people," and stressed the need to support the country’s new government in its efforts to rebuild and stabilize.
Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Saturday, Pedersen said, "The political situation in Syria has changed," describing the new Syrian government as "better than its predecessor." He urged the international community to "extend a helping hand so it can succeed in its reconstruction mission."
Pedersen noted that the transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, inherited "a country devastated in terms of security and societal stability," emphasizing that "achieving stability in Syria and preserving its territorial integrity require genuine international cooperation."
Addressing the Israeli occupation's repeated attacks on Syrian territory, Pedersen stated, "Israel is playing with fire when it uses Syrian airspace for its assaults," considering such actions a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability.
EU eases sanctions on Syria
The European Council of the European Union suspended in February several restrictive measures over the situation in Syria, adding that the decision comes as part of the EU's "efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilization."
The press release published on Monday adds that the EU "aims to facilitate engagement with Syria, its people, and businesses, in key areas of energy and transport, as well as to facilitate financial and banking transactions associated with such sectors and those needed for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes."
The EU Council will suspend sanctions in the transport sector and energy sector, namely oil, gas, and electricity, in addition to removing five entities (Industrial Bank, Popular Credit Bank, Saving Bank, Agricultural Cooperative Bank, and Syrian Arab Airlines) from the list of those subject to a freeze in funds and economic assets.
UK follows suit
Similarly, the United Kingdom lifted sanctions on 24 Syrian entities, including the Central Bank of Syria, the Syrian Arab Airlines, and energy companies, in early March.
Sanctions on Syrian nationals, the office claimed, are affiliated with the previous Syrian regime will remain, as well as others involved in alleged drug trafficking.
"This approach underscores our commitment to help the people of Syria rebuild their country and economy, including through support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process," the British office added.
"We will continue to judge Syria’s interim authorities by their actions, not their words," the spokesperson stated.
The FCDO's decision will lead to the lifting of asset freezes for the aforementioned entities.
Yet, more than 50 entities and 300 individuals remain on the UK’s sanctions list, according to the Financial Times.
